Page 5 of Shattered Rhythm

Jaxon

After I finish up helping with a boxing session, I make my way over to the front desk to get to my office, which is located behind the reception area. As I walk by the weightlifting area, I spot the twins showing Mrs. Peters how to use the chest press machine. I have no clue why both of them are needed for that, but at least Ryder is doing something other than hiding in one of the offices. I stop at the reception desk since the mail just came in and rifle through it.

Just as I’m finishing up, ready to get back to my office to read the more important letters, Chris comes back to the desk with a customer. I’m fixated on the letter I’m reading and only see them in my peripheral view.

“This is Jaxon Tanner, owner of Tanner Fitness,” Chris says to the seemingly potential new member. I look up with my customer service face in place, smiling politely, but as soon as my eyes meet her olive green ones, the breath is knocked out of my lungs. This girl is stunning, and I don’t say that lightly.

She smiles at me. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you ‘Jaxon Tanner, owner of Tanner Fitness.’” She laughs. “I must say I’m a bit surprised. I read in the reviews that you’re a retired MMA fighter. Somehow, I imagined you more of the granddaddy type, not the daddy one,” she says, making me choke on air.

Did she just call me daddy?

“Girl, you’re hilarious,” Chris says, laughing hard, but the brunette, who I still haven’t gotten a name for, is turning bright red.

“I didn’t mean… I just meant…” she stutters, averting her eyes.

“It’s okay,” I say, chuckling. “I’m happy I don’t look like a granddaddy just yet. What can I help you with, miss…?”

“Liv,” Chris chimes in. “Her name is Liv, and she’d like to get a membership.”

* * *

Liv

No, she would not like to get a membership anymore. She wants to disappear into the ground, get a new name, and leave the country.Again.

I feel the urge to face-palm. I knew my social skills were rusty, but talking to Chris felt so easy, I lost all my anxiety about talking to strangers while we chatted. I just didn’t think of how it would come across, but now Mr. Jaxon Tanner, owner of Tanner Fitness, is probably thinking that I just called him daddy.Which I did. Duh.

I mean, the man is scorching hot. He’s big, at least six-foot-three, bulky but not too much, with tattooed arms and a surprisingly kind face. He has hazel eyes and dark brown hair that’s short on the sides but a bit longer on top and matches his stubble. His nose is crooked and looks like it’s been broken one too many times, but honestly, it just adds to his appeal. He’s rough, but I like it. He’s a real man. He’s wearing black khakis and a black long-sleeve Henley with the Tanner Fitness logo on his chest. The sleeves are bunched up, so I have a view of his lickable tattooed forearms.

Fuck, I’m staring.

“Yes, I’d like to set up a membership. Chris told me there’s one for just the dance floor, but I’d like to get the gold membership, please.” It’s the most expensive option, with courses and trainers included, but I really don’t need it. I’ll just use the dance studio. Still, I learned from my father that when you want to feel welcome somewhere, you should always be generous with what you can give.

“That’s great, thank you so much. I hope you’ll enjoy training here. We’re always trying to improve ourselves, so if you find something that isn’t perfect for you, please let us know immediately,” he tells me, handing me a sheet of paper and a pen. Our fingers touch when I take them from him, and my gaze shoots up to his. He’s already staring at me intently, so I look back down to fill out the form. I just write down my name and tick off what membership I want to buy, then hand him my card.He eyes the black plastic for a second but says nothing, just types something into his computer and swipes my card before handing it back to me.

“Your number is 84413. Please memorize it, as it’s the code you’ll need to check in and the number on your locker. I hope Chris has shown you everything important. Otherwise, feel free to talk to me or any other trainer around here anytime. Do you need anything else before you feel ready to get started?” he asks me.

“Nope, thank you. That’s all. See you!” I say, waving to Chris like an idiot before turning around, walking out of the building and getting to my car. I sit in the driver’s seat and put my head in my hands.

Why can’t I act normal for once?

CHAPTERFIVE

Olivia

As Liam twirls me around on the dance floor, I can feel the excitement and joy radiating from him. We’ve just won the national championship, and adrenaline is still pumping through our veins.

“I can’t believe it, angel! We did it!” Liam exclaims, pulling me into a tight embrace.I laugh and wrap my arms around his neck. We’re both sweaty, but I don’t care.He pulls back to look at me, his eyes shining with love and admiration. “You’re the love of my life. Together, we can achieve anything.”

My heart swells with love for him. I feel so lucky to have found my soulmate in my best friend, someone who not only shares my passion for dance, but also loves me for who I am.

“I feel the same way, Liam. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” I say, smiling up at him.

As the music fades away and the other competitors congratulate us, Liam takes my hand and leads me off the dance floor. I know that this moment will be forever etched in my memory as one of the happiest of my life.

* * *

Liv

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